Papa Johns franchisee becomes mogul in his own franchise

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Nadeem Bajwa began his Papa Johns career as a delivery driver. Today, he owns 192 franchises and has his sights set on 500.

ICX Summit celebrates 7th year with September event

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

The Interactive Customer Experience Summit, which is celebrating its seventh year, is a dual event in 2023 featuring the Bank Customer Experience Summit.

Garces Group, Ballad Brands, Ideation Hospitality make Buena Onda winner

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In a keynote address at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, three restaurant execs discuss launching Buena Onda, which now has five locations.

Largest Black-owned Ben & Jerry's franchise company looks to motivate, lead

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Primo Partners owns and operates 14 Ben & Jerry's locations. The company is led by Antonio McBroom, Eric Taylor and Phillip Scott, three Black entrepreneurs…

How Wetzel's Pretzels achieved 35% growth in 3 years

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Wetzel's Pretzels achieved 35% growth in jus three years. The Pasadena, California brand is a leader in the snack category and thrives on innovation and a…

Roast beef leads the menu at Lion's Choice

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Missouri-based Lion's Choice brings the beef - roast beef, that is - to St. Louis. The legacy brand has 32 units and has opened eight in the last four years.

Chipotle, Jason's Deli, Ampex Brands talk AI role in customer experience

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Artificial intelligence, from data gathering efforts to robot creation, is gaining ground with restaurant brands. Top leaders share insight on AI innovation…

Starbird, Fuku, Atomic Wings leaders talk love-hate relationship with delivery apps

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Brand leaders offer insight on managing third-party delivery apps and the brand app and hurdling challenges.

How to maintain your online reputation

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Can those dreaded one-star reviews be reversed? Experts say yes if handled correctly.

Optimizing food delivery with branded communication

by Allison Owen — VP of Client Success, First Orion

Branded communication technology can help restaurants and delivery services improve communication in the critical last mile of delivery to enhance customer…

Roy Rogers' focus on 3 key components sets it apart in QSR space

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Maryland-based Roy Rogers has 41 units, but the company is readying for growth by franchising. The brand was built on quality, variety and choice.

3 ways QSRs can engage their frontline staff

by Andrew Masterson — Sr. Client Director, YOOBIC

Technology can help QSR workers do their jobs better, making for a happier employee. Here are three ways restaurants can leverage digital tech to better engage…

Jeremiah's Italian Ice's customization sweetens brand's appeal in dessert space

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Jeremiah's Italian Ice, a franchise brand of 89 units growing primarily in the Southeast, plans to open up 40 more stores in the next year.

Chip Cookies bakes up plans for 500 stores in 5 years

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Chip Cookies has 10 units in Utah and Idaho. The brand's leadership plans to open 500 stores in the next five years.

The Original Rainbow Cone franchising after 96 years

The Original Rainbow Cone is a Chigaco-based line of ice cream shops. Now on its third generation of ownership, the granddaughter of the founder is ready to…

Wicked Lick has cheeky concept, begins franchising

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Key West's Wicked Lick is a single-unit ice cream shop. Here's how its owners plan to franchise the brand.

White Castle among businesses utilizing AI

by Kevin Damask — Editor, Digital Signage Today

While the use of artificial intelligence has grown throughout several industries in recent years, there is still a great deal of mystery surrounding AI. A…

Toppers Pizza leaders' epic road trip is all about gathering insight

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Scott Gittrich and his wife, Robin, are on a trip to visit all 71 stores in the Toppers Pizza franchise. Along the way they're holding town halls and meeting…

Chipotle, Rally’s, Noodles & Company execs talk increasing drive-thru experience

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Drive-thru innovation and the customer experience was the focus of a panel discussion at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit held this month in…

Examining alternatives to raising menu prices

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In the second part of a two-part series on raising prices, we examine how much is too much and potential alternatives to increasing prices.